Edward Rydz-&Sacute;mig&lstrok;y

Rydz-&Sacute;mig&lstrok;y or &Sacute;mig&lstrok;y-Rydz, Edward (rĭtsˈ-shmēgˈlĭ) [key], 1886–1941, Polish politician. He served under Pi&lstrok;sudski in the Polish Legions (1914–17), in the war with Soviet Russia (1920), and in the coup of 1926. At Pi&lstrok;sudski's death and in accordance with his wish, Rydz-&Sacute;mig&lstrok;y succeeded him (1935) as inspector general of the army; in 1936 he was named "first citizen after the president" and marshal of Poland. A virtual dictator, he fostered the Ozon [Camp of National Unity], a government party that dominated parliament. When Germany and the USSR invaded Poland, he fled (Sept., 1939) to Romania.